Discover Pie Night—our sweet, simple neighborhood gathering just before Thanksgiving where pies, neighbors, and chats converge in our driveway.
Gather, Gab, and Grab a Slice: Welcome to Pie Night
What is Pie Night? I am so glad you asked…I wondered the same thing many moons ago when we got invited to a neighborhood pie night. It turns out the answer was simple, delicious, and is now part of our family lore (along with New Year’s cheeseballs).
The week before Turkey Day means Pie Night which is delicious pies and wonderful conversations with our neighbors hosted OUTSIDE! So there is no need to stress about cleaning the house or having enough space for everyone. The basic gist is that we set up a few tables and chairs on our driveway. We put out some paper products & cans of whipped cream (or squirty cream in the UK) and make a pie or two. Honestly, it is one of my favorite Holiday traditions. It is low-stress and a fun chance to taste some new pie recipes (along with the classics too). We sometimes have several of the same kind of pie (one year we had at least 4 pumpkin pies!); sometimes homemade, sometimes not and sometimes quick breads or cookies or brownies show up too. The kids play and the adults chat and everyone eats. It is so simple. Thanks to Heather Morris, a former neighbor, for this amazing idea that will be forever part of our Thanksgiving celebrations.
My go-to pie recipes that I make every single year for Pie Night:
My two must-haves for every Pie Night (no traditional crust in sight)
Crumb-Topped Apple Pie –A buttery streusel crown over tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. This one disappears fast. Get the recipe here
Coconut Custard Pie (Magic Crust Pie) – Rich, eggy custard meets sweet coconut—with no fussy crust-making required. It forms its own magic crust as it bakes. Get the recipe here
Some other favorite pies around here: Sugar Cream Pie (aka Hoosier Pie), the Southern classic Chess Pie, and a Belgian Rice Pie (Tarte au Riz—a specialty from the region where I was an exchange student). And let’s not forget the savory stalwart: Chicken Pot Pie.
Just know I’ve got some of these in the queue—keep your eyes peeled, because more pie recipes are coming soon. Holler if you need tips on hosting your own neighborhood Pie Night. I am telling you, it is amazing!
In the meantime, make some pie. Real Food. Real Kitchens. Real Love. And a slice of pie (or five!) –The Food Civilian.